Certain embodiments provide a server device including: a first storage section which stores task execution device information for each of the identification information items of a plurality of task execution devices; a second storage section which stores operation environment information for each identification information item of an operating device; a receiving section which receives a requested task from the operating device to the task execution device; and a providing section which examines whether or not the requested task is executable and provides an examination result and the operation environment information corresponding to identification information to the operating device.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A server device comprising: a first storage section configured to store task execution device information on correspondence between a task and restriction information for the task for each of identification information items of a plurality of task execution devices, each of the plurality of task execution devices respectively executing tasks including a series of operation elements; a second storage section configured to store operation environment information including screen display attributes for each identification information item of an operating device, the operating device including a screen and a menu on the screen, selecting one of the plurality of task execution devices by operating the menu, and requesting the task execution device to execute the task; a receiving section configured to receive identification information on the operating device, identification information on the task execution device, and a requested task to the task execution device from the operating device registered in the second storage section; and a providing section configured to examine whether or not the requested task is executable based on the requested task sent to the receiving section and the restriction information of the task execution device information corresponding to the identification information of the task execution device and provide an examination result and the operation environment information corresponding to the identification information of the operating device to the operating device.
A server manages task execution devices. It stores information about each task execution device (like a printer or scanner), including which tasks it can perform and any restrictions on those tasks. It also stores screen display settings for each operating device (like a computer or phone) that users use to request tasks. When an operating device requests a task from a task execution device, the server checks if the task can be performed based on the task execution device's restrictions. The server then sends back an "executable" or "not executable" result, along with the appropriate screen display settings for the operating device.
2. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the providing section obtains a restriction condition imposed on the task execution device based on the restriction information in accordance with the examination result, reflects the restriction condition to the operation environment information, and provides the operation environment information after the reflection to the operating device.
Building on the server from the previous description, if a task cannot be executed due to restrictions on the task execution device, the server modifies the screen display settings on the operating device to reflect these restrictions. For example, if a printer can only print in black and white, the server might grey out the color printing options on the user's screen. The server then sends these updated screen display settings to the operating device, preventing the user from attempting the restricted action.
3. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the providing section gives information for encouraging the operating device to select another task execution device again or to change the requested task, according to the examination result representing that the requested task cannot be executed based on the restriction information.
Building on the server from the initial description, if a requested task cannot be executed based on the task execution device's restrictions, the server provides suggestions to the user. This could involve suggesting a different task execution device that *can* perform the task or suggesting that the user modify the requested task to remove the restriction. For example, if a printer cannot print large files, the server might suggest a different printer or ask the user to reduce the file size.
4. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the first storage section stores device attributes including an installation position and a device type for each of the identification information items of the task execution devices, and the receiving section collects position information of the operating device, and wherein the providing section selects one or more candidates among the plurality of task execution devices based on the device attributes, the position information of the operating device, and content of the requested task and suggests the candidates to the operating device.
Building on the server from the initial description, the server also stores device attributes like installation position and device type for each task execution device. When a user requests a task, the server collects the operating device's location. Using this location, the device attributes of available task execution devices, and the details of the requested task, the server selects a list of recommended devices for the user. For example, it might recommend the nearest printer that supports color printing if the user's operating device is a phone and the requested task is a color print job.
5. The server device of claim 1 , further comprising: a log information storage section configured to store log information on correspondence between user attributes and a use history of the task execution devices for each first identification information of a user, wherein the providing section obtains the use history in the log information corresponding to second identification information of the user, the second identification information of the user being obtained by the receiving section, and reflects the use history to the operation environment information.
Building on the server from the initial description, the server maintains logs of user activity. These logs store information about which users have used which task execution devices and for what purposes. When a user requests a task, the server retrieves the user's past usage history. It then adjusts the operating device's screen display settings based on this history. For example, if a user frequently uses a particular printer setting, the server might automatically select that setting on the user's screen.
6. The server device of claim 2 , further comprising: an operation history storage section configured to accumulate a first history of the operation environment history after the reflection, the operation history storage section storing a second history including the requested task and the identification information of the task execution device, wherein the providing section presents as a candidate other operation environment information which is the same as or similar to the operation environment information after the reflection saved in the operation history storage section to the operating device.
Building on the server that adjusts display settings based on task execution device restrictions and from the history of operation environments after said reflection, the server also stores a history of previous operations. This history includes both the adjusted screen display settings and the details of the requested tasks and task execution devices. The server presents similar past operation environment information as options to the user. For example, if a user previously printed a document using specific settings on a particular printer, the server can offer those exact settings as a quick-select option for future print jobs.
7. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the second storage section stores the operation environment information customized for each identification information item of the user.
Building on the server from the initial description, the server stores customized operating environment settings for each individual user. This allows different users to have different screen layouts, menu options, or default settings based on their preferences or roles. The server uses the user's identification information to load and apply the correct customized settings whenever they access the system.
8. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the second storage section stores the operation environment information customized for each identification information item of the operating device.
Building on the server from the initial description, the server stores customized operating environment settings for each individual operating device. This allows different devices (e.g., different computers or phones) to have different screen layouts, menu options, or default settings, regardless of the user. The server uses the operating device's identification information to load and apply the correct customized settings whenever it connects to the system.
9. The server device of claim 1 , wherein the providing section provides information representing that the requested task is executed or information representing that the requested task is not executed.
Building on the server from the initial description, the server provides explicit feedback to the operating device, indicating whether the requested task was successfully executed or failed. This feedback can be displayed to the user as a simple "success" or "failure" message, or it can include more detailed information about the outcome of the task.
10. A system comprising: a plurality of task execution devices respectively configured to execute tasks including series of operation elements; at least one operating device configured to include a screen and a menu on the screen, select one of the plurality of task execution devices by operating the menu, and request the task execution device to execute the task; a first storage section provided in one or a plurality of server device groups and configured to store task execution device information on correspondence between the task and restriction information for the task for each of identification information items of a plurality of task execution devices; a second storage section configured to store operation environment information including screen display attributes for each identification information item of an operating device; a receiving section configured to receive identification information on the operating device, identification information on the task execution device, and a requested task to the task execution device from the operating device registered in the second storage section; and a providing section configured to examine whether or not the requested task is executable based on the requested task to the receiving section and the restriction information of the task execution device information corresponding to the identification information of the task execution device and provide an examination result and the operation environment information corresponding to the identification information of the operating device to the operating device.
A system for managing task execution devices includes a server, multiple task execution devices (like printers), and operating devices (like computers). The server stores information about task execution devices, including their capabilities and restrictions. Operating devices have screens and menus that allow users to select task execution devices and request tasks. When a user requests a task, the server checks if the task execution device can perform it and sends the result back to the operating device, along with the device's screen display settings. The server infrastructure may be distributed across multiple server devices.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the providing section obtains a restriction condition imposed on the task execution device based on the restriction information in accordance with the examination result, reflects the restriction condition to the operation environment information, and provides the operation environment information after the reflection to at least one of the operating device and the task execution device.
Building on the system from the previous description, if a task cannot be executed due to restrictions on the task execution device, the server modifies the screen display settings on either the operating device, the task execution device, or both to reflect those restrictions. For example, the server might disable certain options on the operating device's interface or update the task execution device's display to show the limitations. The server then sends these updated settings to the appropriate device(s).
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the providing section gives information for encouraging the operating device to select another task execution device again or change the requested task, according to the examination result representing that the requested task cannot be executed based on the restriction information.
Building on the system from the initial description, if a requested task cannot be executed based on restrictions, the server provides suggestions to the operating device's user. These suggestions include selecting a different task execution device that *can* perform the task or modifying the requested task to remove the restriction. The system then presents these options to the user through the operating device.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the first storage section stores device attributes including an installation position and a device type for each of the identification information items of the task execution devices, and the receiving section collects position information of the operating device, and wherein the providing section selects one or more candidates among the plurality of task execution devices based on the device attribute, the position information of the operating device, and requested content of the requested task and suggests the candidates to the operating device.
Building on the system from the initial description, the server stores installation position and device type for each task execution device. When a user requests a task, the server collects the operating device's location. Using this location, the device attributes of available task execution devices, and the details of the requested task, the server selects a list of recommended devices for the user. The system then presents these recommended devices to the user via the operating device.
14. The system of claim 10 , further comprising: a log information storage section configured to store log information on correspondence between user attributes and a use history of the task execution devices for each identification information item of a user of the operating device, wherein the operating device updates screen display content based on the use history in the log information corresponding to the identification information of the user.
Building on the system from the initial description, the system maintains logs of user activity related to the operating device. These logs store information about which users have used which task execution devices and for what purposes. Based on this history, the operating device updates its screen display content, such as displaying most recently used options or frequently used devices.
15. The system of claim 11 , further comprising: an operation history storage section configured to accumulate a first history of the operation environment information after the reflection, the operation history storage section storing a second history including the requested task and the identification information of the task execution device, wherein the providing section presents as a candidate other operation environment information which is the same as or similar to the operation environment information after the reflection saved in the operation history storage section to the operating device.
Building on the system that adjusts display settings based on task execution device restrictions and maintains a history of those operation environments, the system stores a history of previous operations. The server presents similar past operation environment information as options to the user via the operating device. The history contains the tasks, device used and associated screen display settings to enable quick selection for future actions.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the receiving section collects information including remaining amounts of consumables, use states, and reservation states of the task execution devices for each of the plurality of task execution devices, and the providing section reflects the information to the operation environment information.
Building on the system from the initial description, the receiving section collects information about task execution devices, including consumable levels (e.g., toner), status (e.g., online/offline), and reservation states. The providing section displays this information on the operation environment information displayed on the operating device. For example, the system may highlight task execution devices that need maintenance or show the devices that have upcoming reservations.
17. An operation environment management method comprising: preparing task execution device information on correspondence between a task including a series of operation elements and restriction information for the task for each of identification information items of a plurality of task execution devices and preparing operation environment information to be provided to an operating device, which include screen display attributes, for each identification information item of the operating device which includes a screen and a menu on the screen; receiving a request including identification information of the operating device, identification information of the task execution device, and a requested task to the task execution device and thereby examining whether or not the requested is executable based on the restriction information corresponding to the identification information of the task execution device and the requested task; and providing an examination result and the operation environment information corresponding to the identification information of the operating device to the operating device.
A method for managing task execution devices. The method includes maintaining a database of task execution devices (e.g., printers), their capabilities, and restrictions. It also includes storing screen display settings for each operating device (e.g., computer or phone). When a user requests a task from a task execution device, the system checks if the task can be performed based on the task execution device's restrictions and provides an "executable" or "not executable" result, along with the appropriate screen display settings to the operating device.
18. The management method of claim 17 , wherein in reflecting the examination result, a restriction condition imposed on the task execution device based on the restriction information is obtained in accordance with the examination results, the restriction condition is reflected to the operation environment information, and the operation environment information after the reflection is provided to at least one of the operating device and the task execution device.
Building on the previous management method, when the system determines a requested task cannot be executed because of a task execution device limitation, the method obtains data about the restriction, modifies the operation environment information displayed to the user, and delivers this updated information to the operating device, task execution device, or both.
19. The management method of claim 17 , wherein in reflecting the examination result, position information of the operating device is obtained; and one or more candidates among the plurality of task execution devices obtained by searching based on the position information and device attribute including an installation position and a device type included in the task execution device information are included in display content.
Building on the management method described earlier, during the examination of task execution device restriction, the method includes obtaining the operating device's location. The method includes one or more task execution device recommendations in the display content. The recommendation search uses the operating device location and available device information (position and type).
20. The management method of claim 17 , further comprising: accumulating user operation histories via the operating device or the task execution device; and reflecting the operation histories to the operation environment information.
Building on the management method previously defined, the method includes accumulating user operation histories through their activity on the operating or task execution devices. These operations are logged and influence operation environment information for future task executions. This may include commonly-used settings, frequently used devices, or other user-specific preferences.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
September 12, 2012
September 17, 2013
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